December 21, 2011
As the move to “go green” continues to intensify, many homeowners are looking for ways to cut they energy bills and save money. A great way to do both of these things is by installing a geothermal heating and cooling system.
Conventional heaters create heat by burning propane or natural gas or through the use of an electric heat element. The key word here is that they create heat. With a geothermal system, energy is used only to move the heat from your home to the earth or ground water, or vice versa.
While the air outdoors fluctuates greatly from season to season and even from day to day, a few feet below the surface the ground temperature remains relatively stable. Even when the weather above changes drastically, ground temperature fluctuates very little.
During the cooling season, a geothermal heat pump works like an air conditioner or refrigerator, using refrigerant to move the heat from your home. Unlike your air conditioner and refrigerator, a geothermal system deposits that heat into the earth or ground water.
In the heating season, this process is reversed. The heat pump takes the warmth from the ground and uses it to heat your home. Geothermal heat pumps are extremely effective even in cold climates.
The environmental protection agency reports that geothermal heat pumps are up to 72% more efficient than their counterparts. The geothermal system uses less energy because it doesn’t have to create heat, only move it. Geothermal systems offer many benefits to homeowners and the planet.
Because geothermal systems use less energy than other forms of heating, they have less of an environmental impact.
Geothermal heat pumps typically have lifespans of over 20 years because of the few moving parts. Geothermal systems also cost less to maintain.
The lower energy consumption that a geothermal system uses will result in lower monthly energy bills. The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that you can recoup your investment in as little as two years, depending on your climate and soil conditions.
Geothermal heat pumps have the unique ability to both heat and cool your home. In moderate climates, such as Florida, this is especially beneficial. You can replace your heater and air conditioner with a single heat pump.
Air that is too humid or too dry is uncomfortable. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, a geothermal heat pump is good for humid areas, because it keeps indoor relative humidity around a comfortable 50%.
Some newer geothermal heat pumps allow you to heat your water with them, as well. Excess heat is transferred to your heat pump, helping to reduce your energy bill and save you money even more.
Whether you are looking to be environmentally friendly or just trying to cut your energy bills, a geothermal system will do both.
Have more questions about geothermal systems? Contact Cool Today online.
Posted in: Buyer's Guide